As an Israeli-American Christian with deep ties to both the land of Israel (including many family members living there now), and the Gospel of Jesus Christ, I’ve often found myself caught between two extremes. On one hand, some Christians feel the need to offer unqualified political support for modern Israel as though every government policy is divinely sanctioned. On the other, some dismiss Israel as just another secular nation, no more significant than any other.

I think there’s a better approach—one that honors God’s providence in preserving Israel without falling into either extreme.

One of the most difficult and sensitive questions Christians face today is this: Does national Israel still matter in God’s redemptive plan—and if so, what should our posture toward it be? It’s a complex issue, especially in light of Christianity’s long and tragic legacy of antisemitism. But I believe we need to approach it thoughtfully and biblically.

Biblical Foundations

God made concrete promises to Abraham and his descendants concerning the nation of Israel. “I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you… and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed” (Genesis 12:2–3). While many of those promises are fulfilled in Christ and His Church, that does not mean national Israel has no ongoing role in God’s purposes.

At the same time, the New Testament is clear that national Israel rejected its Messiah and persecuted the early church. Paul speaks of natural branches being broken off so that Gentiles might be grafted in: “Some of the branches were broken off, and you, although a wild olive shoot, were grafted in… do not be arrogant… remember it is not you who support the root, but the root that supports you” (Romans 11:17–18).

The new covenant redefines God’s people around union with Christ rather than ethnicity or by descent from Abraham: “There is neither Jew nor Greek… for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise” (Gal. 3:28–29). “You who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ… He has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility” (Eph. 2:13–14).

Ultimately, not all of national Israel remains part of the Israel of God. Even so, Paul insists that the Jewish people remain beloved for the sake of the patriarchs: “As regards the gospel, they are enemies for your sake. But as regards election, they are beloved for the sake of their forefathers. For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable” (Rom. 11:28–29). And his longing for their eventual renewal and salvation finds deep resonance in the writings of the Prophets.

One of the most meaningful passages for me has always been Zechariah 12:10, which envisions the people of Israel looking upon the one they have pierced and repenting: “When they look on me, on him whom they have pierced, they shall mourn for him, as one mourns for an only child…” I firmly believe this is a future promise of a great day when many from national Israel will come to know their Savior and be grafted back into the people of God. This ongoing hope doesn’t undermine the gospel but magnifies it—showing that God’s grace reaches across history, rebellion, and even national exile.”

Providence and Preservation

The resilience of the Jewish people—through pogroms, ghettos, gas chambers, and exile—is extraordinary. Their survival and return to the land is, to me, a striking act of divine providence.

In one of the most incredible stories of modern history, the Jewish people have returned to their homeland and made it blossom into a jewel and a treasure. When I look at this, I see God’s hand at work, demonstrating His covenant faithfulness and long-suffering. I see the God of Hosea and Amos, who declared that even though Israel would reject Him, He would never abandon or forsake her.

“How can I give you up, O Ephraim? How can I hand you over, O Israel?… My compassion grows warm and tender” (Hosea 11:8). “I will restore the fortunes of my people Israel, and they shall rebuild the ruined cities and inhabit them” (Amos 9:14).

I believe God is preparing the way for that beautiful day when the Jewish people will look upon the one they have pierced and believe. Looking at the nation of Israel fills me with appreciation for the deep covenantal love of God and gives me confidence that God will fulfill all of the promises he has made to his people under the new covenant.

A Balanced Posture

So even though I don’t believe modern Israel will become a restored Davidic kingdom, I do believe what God is doing through national Israel is significant. And supporting Israel honors what God is doing through it.

Israel is not just another nation, but it is also not the divinely appointed Kingdom of God. Legitimate criticism does not lead to cursing, any more than unquestioning support leads to blessing. That simplistic binary has no place.

Support for Israel doesn’t require agreement with every political or military decision. Sometimes it means being willing to speak out in love, to critique and correct. But I also firmly believe that it requires supporting the survival and flourishing of the nation of Israel.

So What Should Thoughtful Christians Do?

We can acknowledge Israel’s significance without falling into uncritical support. That means:

• Affirm Israel’s right to exist and defend itself, while advocating for justice and peace.
• Oppose antisemitism in all its forms, including when it masquerades as “anti-Zionism.”
• Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem! May they be secure who love you!” (Psalm 122:6), and for Jewish people to come to know their Messiah.
• Keep Christ at the center—remembering that the gospel is for Jew and Gentile alike: “There is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him” (Rom. 10:12).

Conclusion

Israel is not just another nation, but neither is it the Kingdom of God on earth. As Christians, we’re called to support what is good, oppose what is evil, and look forward to what is eternal. Supporting Israel doesn’t mean unquestioning affirmation, but it does mean recognizing God’s covenant faithfulness, praying for the ongoing work of God in the world, and longing for the day when all Israel shall be saved.

I pray for that day when the people will look upon the wounds in his hand, and come to know the one who was pierced for their sins!